France is the first country in the EU to ban covering one's face in public. (Creative Commons, Ulania)

Two women who are accused of violating France’s so-called “burka ban” could not appear in court because they refused to remove their head and face covering, according to the French news service AFP.

The women, who will only identify themselves by their first names, are from Aulnay-sour-Bois, a Paris suburb. Each woman faces a charge of “covering her face in a public place.”

If they are eventually convicted they each could face a fine of 150 euros and compulsory citizenship classes.

Some Western nations already have laws, implemented to varying degrees, which prohibit covering one’s face in public. Other nations, particularly in the European Union, are considering legislation that would prevent wearing clothing in public that covers the face, including Islamic garments which cover the face.

Officials cite safety and security concerns.

In France, where the new law prevents anyone from covering their face, the move was largely seen as an attempt to defend secular, modern values.

However, other religious garments that do not cover the face, such as the chador, scarves and other headwear, are not prohibited.

State prosecutors will need to decide how to proceed with the new law. A decision is expected sometime in September, according to the AFP.

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